HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-18 Board of Library Trustees MinutesRECEIVED
Minutes of the Reading Public Library Board of['l,l'Ieting
December 18, 2007 R L;` DIN
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Ms. Storti called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm 2603 FE 15 A 10: 2 1
Attendance: Trustees: Dick Curtis, Cherrie Dubois, David Hutchinson, Karyn Storti.
Also in attendance: Ruth Urell, Library Director
Minutes
Motion was made to accept November 5 minutes. Passed unanimously.
Foundation Report: Mr. Curtis noted that the scheduled meeting had been cancelled
due, to inclement weather. He reported, however, that two charitable gift annuities have
been completed and believes that two more are in process. Mr. Curtis also reported that
the recent Foundation annual giving solicitation mailing was done incorrectly by the
mailing house, which provided an incorrect return envelope. A corrected mailing has
been sent out.
Friends Report: Ms. Axelson was absent, but her notes from the recent meeting were
read to the Board. The Friends have decided not to conduct the annual house tour in
2008 for various reasons. To offset the fundraising shortfall, the Friends intend to
increase membership and to plan several smaller events.
Financial Report Ms. Urell noted the following:
The supplies budget is consumed primarily by paper and ink for printers and copiers used
by the public (the collected proceeds from which are delivered to the town's general fund
without specific attribution to the library or credit in the budget process).
New furniture is being purchased for the teens/tweens section.
Approximately $2,000 has been raised towards periodicals through Adopt 'a Magazine
program.
The Foundation's recent $12,000 gift is being expended on updating the computer lab.
Orders have been placed for 7-9 new computers.
Statistics: Ms. Urell noted that the numbers are.very close to comparables from the last
fiscal year, although the library was open for one additional day in November.
Director's Report:
Ms. Urell referenced the written report distributed prior to the meeting.
Facility: Plaster has been repaired from the recent roof leak. The flashing may need to
be replaced. A new leak has developed in the magazine/video area and maintenance has
been notified. A malodorous vapor was emanating from the local history room. Ms.
Urell noted that in general the facilities director has been very responsive and providing
the best assistance he can under the circumstances.
Given the apparent continuing decay of the building, Trustees recommended that Ms.
Urell accelerate retaining an architect to evaluate the building for safety and
infrastructure issues, preferably a professional with experience in historic buildings. A
question was raised about the source of funding for this review.
Ms. Urell stated that the town manager, Peter Hechenbleikner, and Selectman and liaison
to the Library Board, Ben Tafoya, plan to attend the next Trustees meeting to discuss the
facility issues.
Ms. Urell noted that the library has reached its capacity in the children's section and the
staff is storing the materials creatively and wherever possible. Even so, Ms. Urell
expressed concern that out of unfortunate necessity the staff has been compelled to weed
the collection more aggressively than preferred.
The Trustees recommended that funding for such building analysis be included in the
2009 budget request, but also that emergency funding be sought.
The Trustees asked Ms. Urell to contact Patience Jackson of the MBLC for contacts for
the building evaluation.
Budget
Ms. Urell distributed, and the Trustees reviewed and discussed, a level service budget for
FY09.
After some discussion it was determined that the Trustees should appoint a Budget
Committee to enable discussions with the town manager regarding staff salaries and other
issues.
Ms. Storti proposed that each of Ms. Storti, Ms. Dubois and Mr. Hutchinson serve on the
Budget Committee. Upon motion, such formation and appointments were unanimously
approved.
The Trustees also reviewed two different scenarios for Sunday hours and recommended
that both proposals be included as options in the budget.
Trustee Items
None.
Adjournment
Ms. Dubois made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Storti. Ms. Storti adjourned the
meeting. Next meeting is January 14, 2008.
Respectfully submitted,
David Hutchinson
Secretary Pro Tem
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